[MRI of hypophysitis]

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Neuroimaging
• Radiology

Background:

• Pituitary gland inflammation, or hypophysitis, can affect the anterior (adeno-) or posterior (neuro-) pituitary.
• Differentiating these subtypes is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the distinct imaging patterns of adenohypophysitis and infundibulo-neurohypophysitis.
• To correlate imaging findings with clinical manifestations.

Main Methods:

• Review of pituitary MRI scans in patients diagnosed with hypophysitis.
• Analysis of sellar turcica dimensions, pituitary gland size, and pituitary stalk appearance.
• Assessment of contrast enhancement patterns post-gadolinium administration.

Main Results:

• Adenohypophysitis presents as an enlarged pituitary gland within a normal-sized sella turcica, showing intense post-gadolinium enhancement.
• Infundibulo-neurohypophysitis is characterized by pituitary stalk enlargement and absence of antidiuretic hormone storage, associated with diabetes insipidus.

Conclusions:

• Distinct MRI patterns differentiate adenohypophysitis from infundibulo-neurohypophysitis.
• Imaging findings correlate with specific clinical syndromes, aiding in diagnosis.